Trying new models of mental health support for young people in supported housing
In 2021, Fullscope took on the task of brokering funds to address the unique mental health challenges faced by young people living in supported housing. This initiative was part of a broader effort led by Centre 33, designed to think differently about mental health support for young people experiencing health inequalities. The projects aimed not only to improve outcomes but also to contribute valuable insights into alternative models of mental health care for these young people.
About the Projects
These projects targeted young people aged 17-25 facing housing insecurity and involved partnership approaches that aimed to do things differently and learn from young people in the process.
Romsey Mill
Romsey Mill addressed the mental health needs of young people living in Queen Anne House (YMCA Trinity Group) and Railway House (Cambridge Housing Society). Working in collaboration with Arts & Minds and Cambridge Junction, Romsey Mill offered a range of activities, including detached sessions, sports, creative workshops, music sessions, one-to-one support, and celebration events.
Get an idea of what goes on by watching this short documentary about music sessions:
Kings Ripton Court
Making a group meal at Kings Ripton Court
This project was delivered by Cambridgeshire County Council and the Young People’s Counselling Service and aimed to improve mental health, increase aspirations and reduce crisis interventions. Kings Ripton Court held a weekly ‘mental health day’, which involved one-to-one counselling, a group meal, trauma-informed group activities, and opportunities for staff to engage in non-managerial case discussions.
Clinical oversight
Both projects were offered different models of mental health input and support from the same mental health professional, who was also tasked with providing learning about how to offer clinical support to non-clinical staff in such settings.
Insights and Learnings
Common issues surfaced from the evaluations of all three projects, highlighting the transient and challenging lives of the young people, their lack of stability, experiences of trauma and inequality, and low access to education and work.
Despite these challenges, positive mental health outcomes were achieved, including improved emotional awareness, better coping mechanisms, increased compassion, and enhanced hope for the future. Importantly, we saw a remarkable reduction in the need for costly crisis interventions such as ambulance callouts.
Success Stories and Challenges
The projects' success lay in effective partnerships, youth work engagement skills, and the incorporation of positive and creative activities. Activities such as communal cooking at Kings Ripton Court emerged as particularly impactful, fostering social interaction and positive memories.
However, challenges were also identified, including a lack of strategic and practical buy-in from some housing providers and the dual role of housing staff in managing tenancy expectations and providing support during crises. Staff distress when facing challenging presentations from young people and concerns about one-to-one work dependency were also noted.
Recommendations for the Future
Fullscope, in collaboration with its partners, offers several recommendations based on the insights gained from these projects:
Delivering Mental Health-Informed Group Work: In supported housing settings, involve mental health professionals in planning and oversight of group activities to support better mental well-being.
Skill Development Through Positive Activities: Offer young people opportunities to explore and learn new positive activities and skills individually or in groups, including art, sports, music, and employment-related skills.
Supporting Transition Beyond Housing Settings: Facilitate activities that encourage young people to leave their housing settings, fostering new relationships and expanding horizons.
Strengthening Partnerships: Ensure strong buy-in from all partners when working in collaboration, with a shared ambition to negotiate values and aims.
Embedding Mental Health Support: Provide mental health support in familiar and positive contexts to improve engagement and reduce the use of crisis services.
Training and Support for Workers: Equip youth and housing workers with the necessary training, supervision, and reflective time to effectively support the mental health needs of young people.
Long-Term Commitment: Acknowledge that initiatives like these require long-term funding and commitment to develop and learn within their context.
These projects present a groundbreaking approach to addressing mental health challenges among vulnerable young people in supported housing. By focusing on collaboration, positive activities, and sustained support, the initiatives have not only improved individual outcomes but have also contributed valuable insights into redefining mental health care for this demographic.
The recommendations put forward by Fullscope and its partners provide a roadmap for future services to help young people in supported housing, emphasising the importance of long-term commitment and holistic, youth-centred approaches.